King Charles III will underscore the vital bonds between the United Kingdom and France amidst a “multitude of complex threats” as he hosts President Emmanuel Macron for the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit. The French President’s three-day visit to the UK begins on Tuesday, with Charles and Queen Camilla welcoming Macron and his wife Brigitte at Windsor Castle, culminating in a glittering banquet at the royal residence in the evening.
In his toast on Tuesday evening, the King is expected to commend the robustness of the Anglo-French relationship as “our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions,” according to Britain’s PA Media news agency. “As friends and as allies, we face them together,” he will affirm. Charles will also reflect on the “shared history and culture between our two peoples” and express his “awe of France’s extraordinary attributes and achievements.”
Historic Welcome and Ceremonial Grandeur
The Macrons were greeted off the plane by the Prince and Princess of Wales upon their arrival at RAF Northolt, west of London, and will travel together to Windsor for a full ceremonial welcome by the King and his wife. The visit marks the first by a French president to the UK since 2008, and the pomp and pageantry that Britain is renowned for will be on full display.
The King is orchestrating an elaborate welcome for Macron, including a carriage procession through the streets of Windsor to the historic castle. There, in the quadrangle, the French president will be met with an honor guard while the regimental band plays the French and British national anthems. This will be followed by a lunch in the opulent State Dining Room, attended by additional members of the royal family.
Political Agenda and Diplomatic Ties
Macron’s itinerary is packed with significant engagements, including a trip to London to lay a wreath at Westminster Abbey’s Grave of the Unknown Warrior before addressing lawmakers in the Palace of Westminster’s Royal Gallery. Over the coming days, the French leader will engage in several meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the two seek to mend relations after years of Brexit-induced tension.
Their discussions are anticipated to focus on bolstering defense and security cooperation, as well as addressing illegal migration across the Channel. On Thursday, they will participate in a UK-France Summit at Downing Street. Support for Ukraine will be another key priority as they aim to galvanize their “Coalition of the Willing” – the European peacekeeping force established in March. The leaders are also expected to visit a military base in northwest London to join a meeting of the informal group of nations working to strengthen support for Ukraine.
Challenges and Opportunities
Both leaders face political challenges at home amidst an increasingly fragmented landscape, with declining popularity in recent polls. They may hope that this visit provides a much-needed, albeit temporary, boost. While major agreements on Ukraine and curbing migrant boat crossings seem improbable, even modest announcements could signify a further resetting of the relationship between the two nations.
“As friends and as allies, we face them together.”
This visit represents a significant moment in the post-Brexit era, highlighting the enduring ties and shared interests between the UK and France. The outcomes of their discussions could set the tone for future cooperation and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
CNN’s Max Foster contributed reporting to this story.